ii ■I'tllilltltttltllllUUtllUUIIIttUIHttttll Digitized by the Internet Arcinive in 2009 witii funding from Ontario Council of University Libraries http://www.archive.org/details/palmettoOOheff ZOLA The Palmetto Francis Stephen Heffernan Author of '' Imola," etc. :n,V^.Nv,\.i.;///./^.s childhood to the day he sues for her hand in mairiage. " That it would be free from blemish is not to be expected or demanded. In the hour of temptation, the young man may have deviated from the perfect way which he has chosen and still prefers. If he has thoroughly recognized his failings, made what- ever re] oration was in his power and given evidence that the act came not from character but from im- pulse, there is no reason why he should be disquali- fied for the hand of the girl he hopes to marry. It is due to her, however, that he should open the pages of his life to her and her parents, provided there is the slightest possibility of her ever learning the facts afterward from some other source. She will be able to consider them in forming her esti- mate of the man, and every precaution will ha^e been taken that she will never have cause to regret the irrevocable step that she is about to take. ''Should a suspicion of some act not strictly honor- able in her lover's past enter the girl's mind, she is 216 THE PALMETTO not justified in ever mentioning it to him, for he has offered her his affections and trusted in her for- giving love; nor should the beauty and purity of her spirit make him forget that he has ever been for a moment unworthy of her. When the girl has given the supreme promise to a man, she has no right to look back to the ' might have beens ' in her own career or to the ' may have beens ' in his. Her love for him should lift her above suspicion and re- grets into an atmosphere of loyalty and trust. If the suitor's proposal has been approved, there should be a long and sufficient interval of engage- ment before the marriage takes place. It is during this period that the girl's dignity is severely tried. Nothing more quickly obscures the respect that others might feel for a betrothal, and nothing will cause the pure greater shame when recalled in after years, than too great familiarity or undignified ex- pression of affection in the presence of others. For this reason, a severance of association from each other during the term of the engagement attaches a dignity to the marriage contract. If there is any depth of sacredness in the relation that has been assumed, it is not for public exhibition. Beautiful as a true sentiment of love is, the moment it is ex- THE PALMETTO 217 posed to curious eyes its bloom and beauty, its deli- cacy and poetiy, are profaned and desecrated. The two may, and very properly should, display a pref- erence for each other's society when with intimate friends; but personal familiarities of manner and conversation never. "The delicately minded young lady does not in this country call her lover by his first name, nor does he address her thus familiarly. Nor will she except her fiance. This dignified reserve is wise as it is delicate, and no worthy man will grow less fond of a woman because she respects the proprieties. By such modesty she wins not only his respect, but his trust, and she will not make a jest and byword of the man who has honored her by his hand. A thorough gentlewoman would be incapable of such conduct, and a true gentleman would not tolerate it. " Believe me, I cannot accuse you of ignorance of good society. You have seen much of the world, and your manners show culture; and it seems to me that you cannot overlook the most important of all facts that the better society all over the civilized world abhor speedy marriages following engage- ments. Your own country, for that is what you call Brazil, does not countenance it ! Spain will 218 THE PALMETTO not permit it ; and in this country it is only prac* ticed by the lower classes." "But it angers a man, and wounds his pride, to have to return to his own country and wait these long months," said Herbert, seriously. ''My dear Mr. Roseland," Leoiia kindly replied, "somewhere in the Iliad, Homer said, ' Blind envious man 1 whose anger is his guide, Who glories in unutterable pride, So may he perish, so maj^ you disclaim The wretch relentless, and o'erwhelm with shame.' " "But tellme the reasons for those customs or traditions, as my life has been more confined to the business, rather than the social world ? " said Herbert disconsolately, "Mr. Roseland, Mrs. D'Eyrand could more apprc priately answer that question," said Leona. "Leona, I am soon to be your brother, so you say. I am a gentleman and you a lady. I am inquiring through no degree of curiosity, nor am I asking a question that is intended to, or is calcu- lated to necessitate an answer the truth of which would be disagreeable to you." "On my part, T fully appreciate everything you jsay, and hope you will reciprocate, when I say that THE PALMETTO 219 there is a limit to which a lady can speak, and that when she steps beyond that line she submits herself to contempt and lowers herself in the estimation of the gentleman with whom she is con- versing. I will tell you what the best bred people base their judgment upon." "Answer me quick, Leona ; I never had my curiosity aroused so before," he said. " I blush to answer your inquiries ; but you must stop with my answer," said she. '* Tell me," said Herbert. "Because speedy engagements, followed by speedy marriages, are too suggestive of passions other than the grand and noble passions of pure love and affection, which are prolific of longevity and marital happiness," she promptly replied, " Thanks ; I yield. Now please tell me what day ill this week are we all to go down to Long Branch ? " "Thursday," said Leona, with a smile that would have been creditable to the most experienced; but was unnoticed by Herbert. " Yet the very same dreams, the same feelings, the same fancy and thoughts, pictures of future happiness, painting of a similiar picture by differ- 220 ^^E PALMETTO eat hands, each guiding a different brush, unques- tionably brought forth by similar inspiration, and with like expectations ; did she not have the right to claim me when she saw me ? Or is it telepathy? " Herbert inquired. "No ; it was I who described you to her. It is the overflowing of a pure love that can never be reciprocated nor explained. My love is as strong for Zola as your manly affection is for her, if such can be weighed. Her love for you could be com- pared in numbers to the spears of grass on the great prairies of the Dakotas. I would not pluck one blade, such is my friendship for her." As to the picture which I painted, I shall endeavor to believe it is of my long lost brother," she said, with her eyes full of tears and her throat choked with grief. "But, surely, I understand you never had a brother." "It was Zola who told you so of herself. I had a brother. He was older than I. WeU do I re- member his black curly hair. He was so kind and indulgent to me, when we were but wee little ones. I well remember when father bought him his first books, how proud he was. He used to say to me, * Dolo, don't I look like a man ? When I grow up THE PALMETTO 221 I will take care of you. I will send you to school. I will fight for you.' But my father lost the Pal- metto plantation.'" The name of Palmetto surprised Herbert. He looked frightened as he said : * * When I was here a year ago I heard it men- tioned when we rescued you from that villain, Don La Roy. Then I v/as called away, and to this day never heard it again." "Father went to Brazil to look after his property. He was there but a short time when he died. My uncle came for us, but when mother heard the sad news of father's death, she also died within an hour. We laid her away early in May on the hill- side. Brother and I used to carry flowers and place them over her grave. One morning we were found sleeping there, using the grave for a pillow, and the blue canopy of heaven for a blanket. A good woman, a stranger from the South, came and placed us with Mrs. D'Eyrand. She has frequently given me money, but has never betrayed her identity until recently. For years she would come in the Spring and Fall ; she would take me on her lap, fondle and caress me as a mother w^ould her child. She would ask me about everything that 222 THE PALMETTO happened while she was away ; she would go to the conveut with Zola and I, and interview the dear sisters; she would talk with Mrs. D'Eyrand for hours about me ; she never came without bringing me a box of fruit, and would get me clothes while here. A thousand times I would ask her name, and she would say, 'call me Elyeene, which is my Christian name, and when you grow up I will tell you who I am, and my reason for not disclosing to you my name, and my motives in advancing your opportunities and promotion in the path of life.' As the years rolled by, Elyeene, the woman in black, my angel from the South, made her visits until I began to beheve that while I had no father and mother as others had, a kind Provi- dence had provided me with two foster mothers. On my twenty-first birthday she removed the veil that had shadowed her name for years, and told me that she was Mrs. Elyeene Salario, the wife of Don Salario, the villain, who by a lawsuit deprived my father of the Palmetto plantation. On my last birthday he tried to induce me to marry him, and when I refused, made an effort to kidnap me and take me to Brazil. The time you, Major Johnson, and John Covington came so nobly to my relief, "she said. THE PALMETTO -iZ " Was that Don Salario ? I knew him in Brazil as Don La Roy," Herbert repHed. '* How fooUsh I was to go away though the call was urgent. As we left the office I never learned the purpose of his plot." " Mrs. Salario is here to day with our party. She conveyed to me on that day, joining Major Johnson as trustee, the Mrs. D'Eyrand mansion on Fifth avenue, and gave me ten thousand dollars in cash. She is a grand, noble woman," said Leona. ''But return to the incidents connected w^ith your childhood again," said Herbert, eagerly, his face lighting up as he saw a dream about to be realized. " Toney and I remained at Mrs. D'Eyrand's for a year, and our uncle came and took him to South America, expecting to be gone only two years. We heard of their arrival there. A war was then raging in some of the Latin Republics, and we never heard from them again, Zola and I used to pray for his safe return, but our prayers were un- answered. If I told you I had no brother, I did not mean to convey the idea that I never had one. No, my very soul would abhor such a thought. My heart beats to the pleasant recollection that I one time had a brother. God, in His infinite wisdom, is good. While I have the advantages of kind 224 THE PALMETTO friends, health and education, I have been deprived of the dearest of life's hopes. Sometimes when I see you walk by, I would say to myself — ' I love him ' — and I told Zola so, but the description of her affection for you was so different from mine that I could not understand it. " I would sit by the seaside and watch the great ships come in as though each one would bring him to me. For months of each year would I watch those white messengers of the sea, just as though a letter had been received saying he would be here on the next ship. I never received a letter from him, yet I always expected one. I never heard from him, yet I always expected him to come home. I did not know him to be in existence, yet I always be- lieved I should see him alive. I did not know that he cared for me, yet I loved him as a brother; I did not know how he looked if alive, yet I painted the picture, behoving it was his image." ''What was the seeming difference between Zola's and your affection for the lost one ? " '' She only spoke of him as a lover, and she would repeat the verse: ' Let mutual joys our mutual trust combine, And love and loveborn confidence be thine.'" THE PALMETTO 225 "And yours," he quickly said. "Oh, mine was different. It is an affection of the heart excited by that which commands admira- tion and respect, kindness and devotion to another. I would say to Zola, if I could only call on him at any time as a protector, if I needed a friend or money, I would appeal to his friendship; I know he would respond. If I had some girlish whim and I told Zola, she would laugh at me. I could tell it all to him and he would reconcile them." " Leona, do you remember your mother's name % '* he asked suddenly. "Yes ; it is my own, Leona Risalio." "Risalio! but I thought your name was Leona D'Eyrand," he cried, hurriedly, with bated breath. "I was only given that by Mrs. D'Eyrand. She wished Zola and myself to be sisters and bear the same name." "Tell me, what was your father's name?'* "Antonio RisaUo." "And your father's nationality?" Herbert said, with surprise. "He was born in Brazil, came to this country when a child, was educated in Paris, where he was married to my mother, a French woman," 226 '^'^^' PALMETTO '* Where did he locate after his marriage ? " " On the Palmetto plantation in Louisiana, which he inherited from his father." " What was your brother's name ? " "Antonio." '* Leona, did your mother give you a ring during her last sickness ? " " No, she gave me a mother's blessing. It was all she had to give." "Are you sure?" "Yes, quite sure. I would have remembered it if she had. I have never forgotten anything she said to me." "Are you positive, Leona ?" "Yes ; but I was very small. She gave me this little cross and told me to wear it from a cord sus- pended from my neck ; that no evil would ever happen to me while I wore it ; and to repeat the prayer my mother taught me." "Did you ever give your brother any memento when you parted ? ' ' "Yes : a plain gold ring, with my mother's name inscribed on the inside." "Leona, did you say?" " Leona Risalio," she said. THE PALMETTO 227 "Where did you get the ring?" " It was a present from my mamma. I re- member it now. She said father gave it to her when they were engaged. Her mother left her the cross. She often told me of those gifts, but I was so very young I had little interest in such things, being more concerned in my dolls, and playing with Zola and my brother. As I grew older, the little articles left by my mother became dearer to me, and time and again Mrs. D'Eyrand related the in- cidents connected with each one until they became part of my life. After I became grown, my thoughts were changed to the pursuit of the living rather than the incidents of minor matters; hence the little things you mention dropped, as it were, from my mind.'' "On the back of the cross after your mother's name are four figures ? " "Yes, crudely cut — 1844. How did you know that ? " said she. "Cut by whom?" "Cut by ray brother with his pocket knife the day he went away, 18-i4. What does this mean ? Did Zola tell you all this ? " "No. Our conversation was more romantic. Does she know these facts ? " 228 TUB PALMETTO **Yes; she shared my most secret thoughts. I have related these events to her scores of times. I knew no other to share my troubles. We would often sit under the shade of the old elm trees and look at the cross and say, ' where is the hand that guided the cold steel through this gold, and when wiU he return to us ? '" *' What interest did Zola have in your brother ?" ''I gave him to her." *' Was he aware of the gift ? " "No; I had nothing else to offer for her years of sisterly affection and kindness. I still hoped for his return, and when it comes that day will be brighter than all others ; the birds will sing sweeter ; the sun shine brighter ; the leaves will radiate their colors ; the ripphng brook will refresh ; the gentle fawn will noiselessly descend the hillside, wade in the water, and see their pictures in nature's mirror; the squirrel will chirp on the treetop." " Yes, and Leona, that blessed day has come. How blind of me never to have suspected the truth before. Yes, the secret of the future is disclosed in the fact that Herbert Roseland is Antonio Risalio, your long lost brother. " THE PALMETTO 229 She looked at him wildly, eagerly, as the truth broke upon her mind. " Antonio, my brother ! " They fondly embraced as none but brother and sister could, who had been separated since early childhood. All their friends gathered about them, congratulating them, and when she learned the amazing truth, Zola loved Herbert more dearly than ever. ** But my dear sister, you will please not call him Herbert any longer; his true name is Antonio; not Roseland, but Risalio." As her friends gathered about them, she told them anew of her years of anxiety and heartache. She shed tears copiously; she cried as she laughed, and held him by the hand, as she narrated the story of her past life. She would then place her arm about his waist, adjusting his collar, and stroking his hair. It seemed she could not keep her hands away from him. '^ Oh, my long lost brother!" she would sob; and when some of her friends, by way of consoling her, would offer renewal of congratu- lations, she would again give way to her feelings and cry like a child. No one could appreciate the true sisterly affection, 230 ^^^ PALMETTO but those of her friends who were present. Instead of a game of tennis as was intended, it suddenly became a reunion of two, who for eighteen long yeai'S had been searching for one another. Songs were sung, stories related, speeches made, jokes told, plans made for a return to the old Palmetto, and just before the sun set the party arose. The wind blew gently through the boughs of the trees, the birds sang their merry songs, the water rippled and laughed as it flowed over its stony bed, the sun almost came to a stand before it disap- peared in the west, as if to give time for the general rejoicing over the happy reunion of brother and sister. ** The wild birds never seemed to come so close as they sang," said Zola. "I really believe they know it is a day of rejoic- ing, and that we appreciate their musical tones," laughed Leona. ** See the squirrels ! Why, they come and eat out of our baskets. They, too, are joining iu the festivi- ties. They know no harm will reach them. See them stand erect and eat the bread from between their little paws," said Leona, "just as people do. How innocent ! I guess they know they are weL THE PALMETTO 231 come. See him climb the tree, run out on the branch, and again assume the attitude of a soldier." "I'll declare, he is laughing," said John Coving- ton. "No," said Mrs. D'Eyrand, "I tell you it is that stringy chicken; he got a piece fastened between his teeth." "Poor fellow," said Mrs. Salario, " I wish he would come out and let me assist him." " Much better that he capture the strings in his teeth than to swallow them," said Major Johnson. "The chances are that he would have the dys- pepsia if he did," said the judge. Mrs. Salario inquired if there were any wine left in the lunch basket. Pomp, on hearing this in- quiry, replied, "Yes, Missus, one bottle." As it was being poured into the glasses Mrs. Salario handed the first glass to Mrs. D'Eyrand, who inquired, "What is this for?" "Sweeten it for the judge," was the prompt re- ply, greatly to the amusement of the party. CHAPTER XX MAJOR JOHNSON'S OFFICE Major Johnson and Judge Ca worth were sitting in the former's office in New Orleans, speaking of the double wedding of Leona and Major Johnson, Zola and Mr. Antonio Risalio, v/hich was set for the twentieth day of the next May; also the mar- riage of Judge Caworth and Mrs. D'Eyrand, and Mrs. Salario and John Covington five days later, and the possible trouble they might have in safely passing the lines going North. Major Johnson said, *'I am glad Mrs. Salario has thought it suitable to accept the offer of John Covington. They are of the same age. She is one of the noblest of women, and as he has seen the follies of youth, traveled much, and possesses a fine education, is matured in life, physically perfect, possessing the kindest heart and most agreeable manners, he will, in my opinion, make a good husband." ''I never believed in trusting reformed drunk- ards." (332) - THE PALMETTO 233 "What !" said the major, *'a man who has not touched spirits of any kind since he was a boy twenty years ago, do you call him a reformed drunkard ? Do I understand you, with all your ex- perience in metropolitan Ufe, to be an advocate of ostracism, because a man once drank ? " was the major's sharp reply. "Major," said the judge, ''you never touched a glass of whiskey in your hfe." " No ; nor do I ever intend to ; nor was I ever, while advocating the cause, a temperance advocate. No, I was always a firm believer in the redemption of man. Excuse me, judge, I meant no offense, but with all of John Covington's early excesses his father was my guardian; he raised, educated, and cared for me until I had a practice that justified him in saying, ' My boy, I rejoice to know that you are doing well and laying up your money. ' Is it not natural that I should be a friend to his only child, who did not have the will power to restrain his appetite ? No, I am proud of him and shall al- ways treat him as a brother. *' Mrs. Salario has plenty of means, and if she has not, I have. I have placed ten thousand dollars in trust for bis use; besides, I have provided him with 234 THE PALMETTO ample funds to be a man, give his bride fine pres- ents, defray the wedding expenses, and have plenty left. I could not permit him to live on his wife's means," said the major; and as he spoke the words his dark gray eyes snapped, and his voice was clear and sharp. That he meant every word he spoke, the judge had no doubt. The judge felt sorry he had commenced the con- versation, and very glad to find an interval of time to change it into something else, which he did at the first opportunity by saying, " Major, I presume you are well satisfied with your choice of profession." ''Yes," said the major, " I am; it is, in my opin- ion, one of the noblest of all avocations. The lawyer, is one without whose aid the laws of his country cannot be properly enacted or enforced ; after his long and useful duties on earth are fin- ished, we shall hope as in the beautiful language of Bishop Home, ' When he goeth up to the judgment seat, to put on righteousness as a glorious and beau- tiful robe, and to render his tribunal a fit emblem of that eternal throne of which justice and judgment are the habitation.' *'The man who devotes himself to a profession THE PALMETTO 235 which is as difficult as it is honorable; who is trusted with the most confidential communications; who directs by his counsel investments of milUons: who constitutes himself adviser of those who claim the most sacred rights, or the defender of those who find themselves attacked in their person, their honor, or their property; always being armed, you will be able to afford protection to your friends, your assistance to strangers, and safety to those who are in peril, feeling a panoply of power. ''The possessor of a moral worth inseparably connected with his character one of its constituent features in Hfe's action, the lawj'-er who has fol- lowed the profession for years cannot but be im- pressed with the deep convictions of the import- ance of its duties, and of the arduous nature of its manifold requirements. It is a great consolation to the lawyer of years of experience, to look back to the ideal character which rose above the temptations which beset his path, and to dwell upon the bright reward, not alone of riches and honor, but of inward satisfaction. "With a memory enriched by facts, or imagination gratified by the view of its different characters, his reason enlightened by the firm and unvarying principles of equity, which so readily 236 THE PALMETTO adapts itself to all the wants of mankind, as diver- sified in its means as it is uniform in its principles, bringing the man up to the highest pinnacle of in- tellectual perfection; the momentous questions which are confided to his skill, involving life or property, when the poisoned shaft of calumny is quivering in the heart of the innocent, it is his tal- ent and ability that is brought into requisition to draw it out without injury and to vindicate the pure character of the person assailed,*' Judge Ca- worth replied. '' Every lawyer should erect a lofty standard, upon which to maintain his supremacy; but he should not be deprived of adequate knowledge, and should have a clear conception of his profession, to enable him to see the mazes of intricate points, and have his mind disciplined to the happy habit of ac- curate reasoning, and to be able to safely advise in some perilous emergency. For this reason he should be master of legal principles; and be ready to appear before a juiy in defense of life, when dark suspic- ions and strong presumptions and direct evidence of guilt — although, in reality, all those may be fal- lacious — to persuade a jury amidst the breathless stillness of the court-room, when every heart beats THE PALMETTO 237 quickly, and throbs with agouizing and sickening fear. What mimic representation of passion on the stage can equal that drama of reality ? " CHAPTER XXI PREPARATIONS FOR THE WEDDING Leona was deprived of the assistance of a natural mother to assist in preparation for her approaching wedding, but that vacancy was ably jBUed by Mrs. D'Eyrand and Mrs. Salario. Although their first experience, the duties were as carefully prosecuted, as neatly executed, and as artistically arranged and every detail carried out, as if they had been professionals. I The marriage of Zola and Antonio Risalio, as we know Mr. Roseland, and Leona and Major Johnson, was set for May 20th, which would be Leona's birth- day. Mrs. D'Eyrand was as proud as a queen to reaHze that Zola and Leona, who had each received a score of proposals, were guided by her advice, and promptly refused them as they were made. She wanted to see them married, and married well. -She did not wish to see either of them jump in the dark, and marry some man because of his ap- parently attractive outward appearance, or possibly indulge in an imaginative love affair, that would (238) THE PALMETTO 289 soon wear off when the cares and troubles of mar- ried life became known. Zola came to her mother's room smiling, as she said : *'I never knew how thankful I should be for having a mother to whom I could confide my secrets and ask advice ; and I am pleased that I always felt it my sense of duty to be guided by what you said. Had I followed my own inclina- tions, and not respected yours, I would have been married over three years ago ; and see the unfortu- nate condition I would be in to-day. Don't you know that Charles J. is as worthless a man as any in the city, without a cent, a wife and child, living in a tenement house, by the labor of his poor wife, while he poses on the street corners as an Apollo? No, my dear mother, I can sae the wisdom of consulting a loving parent, and let me say that it will be one of the proudest feel- ings of affection to you when you give me away at the altar, knowing that my actions are in full accord with your sentiments and wishes. Leona and I have been in consultation, and we cannot see how Antonio can give her away when we all ex- pect to be married at the same time," said Zola, in a very inquiring way. 240 ^i^^ PALMETTO *'Zola, if it is the wish of Leona, that her brotlier shall perform that very important yet pleasant duty, there will be no objection in the way. As both weddings cannot happen at the same time, there will be an interval between them. Although marriage is a religious contract, it is nevertheless a civil contract, and it must be an entirety in itself ; consequently, while the two marriage contracts will be performed during the same service, one will be completely finished before the other begins. The sacredness of religious con- tracts, and the beautiful sublimity surrounding the service, will necessarily require the parties first married to remain standing at the altar, until the second marriage is solemnized. There will be an air of belief through the audience among the un- educated that both marriages are performed at the same time," said Mrs. D'Eyrand. *'Now if that is all you want to say, go back, and tell Leona, if she wants me to act in lieu of her departed mother, as I have for the past years, it will be a great source of pleasure for me to act with Antonio in giving her away at th(? altar." Mrs. Salario had something on her mind. ' *'Mrs. D'Eyrand, if it would not be asking too THE PALMETTO 241 much, I pray the privilege of appearing at the altar with you, and shall ask as a personal favor, the giving of Leona to Major Johnson. I have known him from his boyhood ; no more noble man ever Uved. I may have sometime been neglectful of Leona, but I cannot recall an instance, since I first followed her eighteen years ago. I have made ample reparation for everything my husband took from them, and as the last and crowning act, I would like the privilege I ask." Mrs. D'Eyrand quickly replied : "That honor you can have as far as I am con- cerned, and I shall ask Leona to grant it." " She has already requested that I fill her mother's place on that occasion,'' promptly replied Mrs. Salario. ' ' What can be more beautiful for a young woman about to be married than the thoughts and anxieties of the months she devotes to the prepara- tions, while all her dear friends are in every way offering their services to add to her pleasures and comforts ! It is the epoch of life she craved in girlhood ; it is the haven she awaits ; it is the hope of youth ; it is the ambition of womanhood ; it is the climax to her first life. No woman should escape the grand, noble and hallowed influences 242 'i'HE PALMETTO that surround such an event. It bespeaks purity of thought ; it calls the gods to witness the prepara- tion for the event of one's life ; it gives sacredness to the marriage vows, and spreads a moral cast over each word asked and answered in the marriage service, carrying a spirit of loftiness to the cere- mony, and as, by intuition, truth to the sentiments and expression of the contracting parties." " Oh, Mrs. Salario, I rejoice to know that your ideas are so like mine, but what a contrast it makes to them who waive the sublimity of the nuptial contract, as compared with the sentiments ex- pressed by Cowper: ' The poor, inured to drudgery and distress, Act without aim, think little, and feel less.' "After a few months of wedded life he is tired of her. She then awakes to leai n she is only wedded for a season. But she, who for years and months prepares for the nuptial day, impresses upon her lover's mind that she intends it for life. In the nobleness of his manhood he patiently waits. If he should refuse, it would be the best evidence that the marriage was only intended for a short duration. Do you hear the singing ? Our boys have come ; what a fine quartette ! Antonio's deep bass voice is THE PALMETTO 2-jS Wonderful. Let ns go down to the parlor," said Mrs. D'Eyrand, and the two ladies were soon among the young folks^ enjoying their music. CHAPTER XXI THE GRAND BALL It was a cold, dreary night in February, 1863. The Federal soldiers were for the first time guard- ing the streets, somewhat at the peril of having their uniforms spoiled. A grand ball was to be given that night by the sympathizers of the Union cause, not as a display of victory but as an evidence of good feeling towards the officers of the army and navy; although many a Southerner w^as really glad at the return of the old flag to its post of honor, and recalled the historical days of Andrew Jackson, when he and his men fought so nobly to defend it, and so gallantly achieved victory. This was the society event of the season. A pa- role of honor was extended by Farragut to the Con- federate officers, and by them honorably kept. It was with a rather restrained degree of safety that some of the Union officers accepted the invitations; they were fully aware that a pi-ejudice existed, and as nearly all the ladies present were of the extreme (344) THE PALMETTO 245 Southern type, the opportunities for gallantry could not be displayed owing to a deep partisan feeling. National sectionalism was natural, and it was no discredit to the ladies of New Orleans that those feelings existed; and should some of them, in the least way exhibit a feeling of regret for the defeat of their cause, it would be very unpleasant for the guests. As many of the ladies had fathers, brothers, and lovers in the Confederate army, it was very natural that their minds should be with them that night in camp, and wondering if it was raining there, if it was cold and dreary, as in the city. There are many things in life, that when the sur- rounding facts are known, make certain acts ex- cusable; and the dark pall that hung over the city of New Orleans at this time gave rise to bitter feel- ings among partisans. The hall was brilliantly illuminated by the great chandeliers, and row^s of wall lamps, with their white globes, in which were cut the pictures of nearly every living bird and fish. The enchanting music, the luxury and splendor, the brilliancy of the ladies, in their rich costumes, and the flashy uniforms of the officers, the social 246 THE PALMETTO friendship and esteem that prevailed permeated the atmosphere of the room, and the noticeable civility of the ladies soon reUeved the Union officers of all fear of anything offensive. In the whirl of the fascinating waltz, polka and mazurka, the richly and artistically attired women were constantly enchanting the young officers. Thus all thoughts of the field, camp and battle soon left their minds, and they realized that they were in a Southern city, guests of Southerners, and being entertained in the true old-fashioned Southern manner. The brilliancy of the occasion was diversified by the richness of uniforms, the contrast between navy officers and army officers, and the mingling of the blue and the gray. The grand march was led by a stately general, and the wife of a Confederate colonel. The latter became a warm personal friend of the general, during his stay, which friendship ripened as they advanced in years, and long afterwards the general and his wife made winter trips South, and were welcome guests in the home of their Southern friends, while the summer season invariably found the colonel and his beautiful wife in the North, at THE PALMETTO 247 the welcome home of the general, whose wife was proud to receive them. Six of the young officers who were most appre- hensive of sensational and political feelings at the ball, that could only mar the kind and generous feeling that was supposed to prevail there, were the gentlemen who, before the sun rose next morning, were desperately in love with as many beautiful young ladies, whom they had the good fortune to meet that night, and whose acquaintance matured into pure love matches ; and it is needless to say that as soon as the war was over, six blue suits and swords were quickly laid aside, and as private citizens these warriors soon found their way back to New Orleans, where they were hospitably re- ceived, under the alternating music of Yankee Doodle and Dixie; and the further seal of fellow- ship is marked in half a dozen homes in the North, presided over by Southern beauties, and now the mothers of happy families, who glory in the North as in the South, and are bound together by the indissoluble Union of States. To one who did not mingle in the festivities of the ball, it was rather amusing, as weU as highly educa- tional, to mark the distinction between the officers 248 ^^^^ PALMETTO Oil that occasion, and especially the Northern officers and the Southern ladies. The chivalric customs of the Southern gentlemen, and the characteristic hospitality of the women, were copied by the Union soldiers, while the polite, yet frank and manl}?" character so proverbial in the Northern^ was dis- counted by his Southern brother. It was nine o'clock before all the guests were present. The cold rain, driven by the maddened winds, came moaning around the corners of the houses with a velocity that was highly calculated to cause even those who were nicely sheltered to shudder, A glance down Canal street, one hundred and fifty feet in width, would almost make one be- lieve it a river. The reflections from the illuminated store windows on the mud, water, and descending rain, sweeping over the houses, around the corners, and verandas, added to the dreariness of the scene. Drearily did the light from the yellow flickering street lamps struggle through the leafless trees; and the drifting sleet swept along streets deserted save by those who were bound for the ball. It was what a hunter would call a wild night. Throughout the city prevailed a portentous mur- mur like that mysterious moaning of the waves in TEE PALMETTO 249 the girlf as they lash against the rocky cliffs and fall back into the deep to rise no more, and often taken as a prelude to an approaching storm by the mari- ner who takes the necessary precaution to protect himself from coming disaster. The ominous whispering of the winter winds, as they whistled and moaned alternately, caused the voices in the ballroom to hush and swell as one sweeping blast of wind and rain followed another. As the orchestra struck up the grand march the whole hall was soon a moving mass of forms of the bravest and most gallant of men, accompanied by the loveliest and fairest of women. As the music changed to the dizzy waltz, the bright uniforms of the blue and gray alternated with the white, blue, pink and lavender dresses of the ladies w^ho were seen floating with the ease and grace of clouds, through the spacious halls. Again the music changed to the graceful steps of the mazurka; Uke the beauty of a clear river with its waters ruffled by the inward flow of the tide, did the vast assembly move around the hall witli rhythmical steps, and smoothly glide into the dance until the fierceness of the winds and chiUy rain were soon forgotten in their pleasure. 250 THE PALMETTO No deep runibliug of heavy ordnance, no roar of cannon, no sliarp words of military command no clattering of hoofs of approaching cavahy, no bugle sounds disturbed the poetic movement of the polka, or the courtesy of the quadrille. No one enjoying the festivities of this fete, longer heard the night wind as it swept by and went down the narrow side streets, whistling, whispering, then howling, as the god of the storm arose and fell in the manner so eloquently described by Milton: ' 'And either tropic now Can thunder at both ends of heaven; the clouds From many a horrid rift abortive poured Fierce rain with lightning mixt, water with fire, In rain reconciled; nor slept the winds Within their stony caves, but rushed onward From the four hinges of the world, and fell On the next wilderness, whose tallest pines. Though rooted deep as high, and sturdiest oaks. Bowed their stiff necks, loaded with storms' blasts." And while the storm howled without, the mag- nificent hall was ablaze with grace, elegance and splendor within; the richly attired women and the brilliant uniforms of the men made a picture never to be forgotten, for that ball would go down in history. It indeed looked liked a reunion of the blue and the gray. Pierre Du Chappelle, the commander of THE PALMETTO 251 the French man-of-war La France, that had put into New Orleans for coal, and his beautiful wife, were also invited guests. He in full uniform, and she attired in the latest Parisian fashion, constituted attractive figures in the ballroom, for Madame Du Chappelle was regarded as the most handsome and most magnificent dresser when in Paris; her jewelry- was superb, her selections elegant. Commander Du Chappelle was a descendant of Talleyrand, with the flow of eloquence of a Lamori- ciere and the military carriage of a Napoleon. Be- ing a foreigner, all the Americans made it a special point to see that his lovely wife had preference over all others. The banquet lasted from twelve to two, and Commander Du Chappelle with his charm- ing wife had special places of prominence at the table. At twelve o'clock, while the cavalry were patrol- ing the streets, and the password given as they met, the great doors leading from the banquet hall were run back on their wheels, and the throng marched in. The long row of brightly illuminated chandeliers suspended from the ceiling disclosed the finest cut glass and silverware on tables laden with the 252 THE PALMETTO choicest dainties the markets of New Orleans pro- duced. Viands of various kinds allured the taste. And the great ball of the war was pronounced a success, never to be forgotten. CHAPTER XXIII HERBERT IN BRAZIL Mademoiselle Letolio Rapalje was born in Brazil, though educated in Paris, At her parents' home Herbert was an ever welcome visitor. Mademoi- selle Letolio had good reason to claim Herbert as her lover previous to his meeting with Zola. Now since his return to Brazil he seemed despondent ; his friends, and especially the Rapalje's could not understand this. He spent most of his time every evening at the Rapalje mansion, yet a cloud seemed to be drawn over him. Madame Rapalje said to her daughter : "Have you noticed the despondent mood of Her- bert ever since his return ? " "^ " Everyone has noticed it. Why, it is the subject of remark among all the young people. No one seems to dare to ask the reason, " replied the young lady. "Well," said Madame Rapalje, "you are more concerned than any other ; in a quiet way ask him the cause. Be clever in your manner of asking it, because it may be a serious matter to you." (253) 254 THE PALMETTO ''Mother, what do you mean?" "Letolio, remember he spent the spring and summer in the United States. It might be possible that among his sister's friends he became acquainted with some beautiful girl, possibly one he knew in his childhood, and meeting her now in the prime of life, caused the fire of his first love to burn anew." " Mother, should such be the case and he tell me so in his manly way, I would release him at once from his engagement. I would not marry a man who had love to divide. Again, our relations since childhood have been more like brother and sister than maid and lover. But if your prophecy is cor- rect, and his melancholy is caused for the reasons you imagine, I shall make him happy in a minute. Should he in a moment of passion and love for a pretty face, have become engaged, and while under such influence; and for a moment, his memory be- come blurred, as to his promises to me, and now does not know how to extricate himself from me, I will release him at once and love him forever as a brother." "Letolio, you are a noble girl. Your views are more of a woman of forty than a girl of eighteen. Do you really think you can do as you say ? " THE PALMETTO 255 " Certainly, mother. If Herbert and I had just become engaged, it might be otherwise; but I was not over four years old when I became engaged to him. I can always look upon him as a brother. I will then think that fortune favored me in sending me a brother. The nobility of his character will always be in my mind. Should he return to his native country, we wiU have a place to go and visit when we want to go north in warm seasons. But I am looking on the dark side of the picture, when I hope it will be unnecessary. " *' Well, it is certainly nice for you to be prepared, in the event of a change to be willing and able to grasp either situation, and be satisfied with the gift the wheel of fortune may drop for you. It is my wish and desire that you keep him, if you can peaceably and honorably." As usual, after supper at the hotel Herbert walked over to the home of the Rapaljes, and was soon in company with Mademoiselle Letolio. As she met him on the veranda in solemn mood, she said, '' Mo?i ami, what makes you look so melancholy? you who have been in search of your only living relation, and by favored fortune you indeed should be the happiest man in the world." 256 THE PALMETTO He held her by the hand as she spoke. His face brightened up, and his countenance seemed to say, " I am reheved; the ice is broken; I can now talk," He started to draw her closer to him as her mother appeared, evidently not knowing the young people were there; but seeing it would not do to re- turn, she walked up, and kindly shaking him by the hand, said, " My boy, is not this an ideal evening; upon which one delights to be out basking in the warm air? I thought Letolio was down by the seashore, and I would go down there with her, but you being here she will enjoy your company much better. Letolio, take Herbert there, and I will soon be down." Herbert and Letolio started, and as they de- scended the steps she remarked to her mother, "You will not be down for an hour." " No, my dear, but remain until I come." The dear old lady had no thought of going there. She was determined to give Letolio an opportunity to have a long talk with Herbert. When the two seated themselves on a lawn settee they listened to the sad murmur of the seas beating against the rock, and falling back into the ocean bed, followed by another groat blue wave as though THE PALMETTO ^5? trying to strike higher than the other, splashing its spray nearly to where they sat, and making a sil- very sheet of water hundreds of feet in length, and fifty to sixty feet in breadth. The light from 11 le sun had already disappeared in the west, below the overhanging clouds, was tinting and high-light- ing them as in gold, being reflected back on the waters, tinged with the silver and gold mixed with the twilight of the evening, which naturally at- tracts the attention of the human eye, and adds luster to the thoughts. The scenery was grand and picturesque beyond description, far surpassing the brush of the painter, the mind of the historian or the pen of the poet; it was grandeur bordering on the sublime, and should cheer up Herbert if anything could. Although he and Letolio had sat there hundreds of times and looked upon the same scenery, the accustomed serenity was not on his usually pleasant face. It was ruffled, cloudy, and if he were inclined as form- erly to be joyful and loving to his dear friend, there was certainly a cloud obscuring v/hat had formerly been there; his lips bore a courtly smile of careless- ness; there was a chilly languor in the harmonious music of his voice; his countenance betrayed the 258 THE PALMETTO loss of that indomitable will power that used to seem imbedded iu his face. He did not look to see the fading of the ocean grandeur as the gloaming of the evening was drawing the curtain of night over the beauties of the scene. He was restless. Letolio called his attention to every scene, even to the thou- sands of sea-gulls and sea-hawks that were flying above and around, but she would only hear in re- turn, ''Yes," or "Yes; how beautiful." She walked near the edge of the walk and plucked a flower. Then turning, she looked him straight in the face as she said, ''Herbert, see those beautiful flowers," She saw in the great beacons of his soul a pas- sionate, troubled look. Melancholy, yet heated, something burning with mingled love and despair ; a troubled consciousness, bordering on tragedy, like one caused by misfortune, that which has been locked up in one's conscience, and from its close quarters become a molten bed of fire, that might at any moment give vent to an explosion, unless release was given by some kind friend, to cool the breast that held it, to pacify the mind. That he was fearful of what was brev/ing within him, that he knew not how to rid himself of the THE PALMETTO 259 situation, there was not the possibiHty of a doubt. The more Letolio looked at him, the more she pitied him. For several minutes she stood behind him stroking his head, as she talked of their many- years of friendship. The sea commenced to run higher, without the winds increasing. The dark blue waves seemed at war with each other, and were now striking against the high rocks in their madness, leaving white caps floating on the wrinkled waves. Yet, the warm scented air and the fading light seemed to relieve the fury of the wild waters, but Herbert still kept his eyes fixed on the sea, as though it was their only haven of rest. The monotony was broken by Letolio saying, " Herbert, do you see anything in the deep friend- less waves ? " " No," was his slow reply. ''If," said she, ''you could see some beautiful sea maiden rise above the crest of the ocean with long waving hair, beautiful in form and face, with eyes bright as those of a gazelle, and ask to speak to you, would it be any inducement to engage you in a conversation of more length than yes or no ? " "Pardon me, Letolio," he calmly replied. She was anxious to learn the cause of his sadness, 260 'J'UE PALMETTO but lie knew well that she noticed it, and had regard for his feelings. She walked behind him, and gently leaning over the settee, placed her soft white hands on his shoulders, then one under his chin, the other bracing his head, kissed him — affectionately on the forehead, as she said, ''Herbert, we have been lovers a long time, and this is the first time I ever noticed that you seem tired of me, or appeared gloomy in my presence. You have always been joyful and happy. Isow, above all times in your life, should you feel happy. You found Leona. I am eighteen years old, and have completed my education. The honors I won in my various classes should make you think more of me. You always told me that you wanted that I should be highly educated ; that it was your constant desire, that as your wife I should not only be intelligent but highly educated. Herbert, have I failed in any of the expectations of life ? Now that our time to marry has nearly arrived — this is May, and October is the time set, — if I am not what you hoped for, or had reason to expect, do not hesitate to say so." Herbert pushed away her hands as he said, ''No." He walked to the verge of the rock with a look that TEE PALMETTO 261 would do justice to one contemplating suicide. Then she said, '* Do you think I am unworthy of you ? " "No," was his prompt reply. She sat on a fallen tree close to where he stood, appearing like the picture of an angel as he turned to look at her, as she was gazing into the wild foaming sea, watcli- ing the waves climbing over each other, seeing, as it were, which could first reach shore, to be dashed against the rocks, meeting their self-destruction. He gazed at Letolio as though she w^ere a statue for full five minutes, with seeming crystallization of thought and action, until it gradually occurred to his mind that he had not answered her questions as he should. He walked over and sat beside her. Placing his arm around her tapering waist, he said in a soft, kind, and musical voice, "Letolio, have I ever insinuated that I did not love you, or that you were not my equal ? " "No," she said with a sob. "I love you still, but if you knew that I also loved another, would you accept my love ? " "No, monsieur," she promptly replied, "not in the way the past years educated me to love you ; but if you love another better than you do me. 262 THE PALMETTO however hard it is for me to give you up, I am willing to accept, with your permission, the privilege of always loving you as a brother. You remember the good Lord took from me my brother, the time you came ; so always let me remember you as a dear brother." Her last words were choked in grief. He held her in his arms as he related his remarkable experi- ence in his love affair with Zola, and his promise to her. She nobly accepted all he said, in the kindest and most sisterly way, and asked the privilege of assisting at the wedding, which was promptly granted. CHAPTER XXrV A LEGAL CONTENTION Major Johnson was a man who by his hard study, honorable conduct and fine ability, had elevated himself above the mass of the community where be was born and raised. As he said, what he achieved more than other men was due to the suffrage of the people. The stations of great importance and pre- eminence and power found compensation in the prime of life, by a large clientele ; the most im- portant law suits intrusted to his care, with a cash income from his practice that would comfortably support a prince. His constant habits and character were actuated by his superior desire to do right. He often did acts that exceeded the necessities sur- rounding the subject, and were far out of proportion to what was expected of him and largely over- balanced the obligations of his duty. It is surprising to the uneducated in his profes- sion, how negligence in the details of business, or apparent want of interest in the case contributes to the ruin of a lawyer's reputation, It is one of the 2(U THE PALMETTO circumstances which crowns the defects, and in a short space of time leaves him without business. Evils of this kind are not imaginary, as it ought not to be difficult to discover. Major Johnson was as extreme a Confederate as the judge was solid for the maintenance of the old flag. Although the whole country w^as then in the throes of a great civil war, trying by might to settle this great question by arbitrary force, these two men often supped at the major's beautiful home, retired to the smoking room, and after lighting the best Havanas, watched the smoke curl above their heads, w^hile they peaceably discussed the national questions as they would a law point ; seemingly to them a pleasure to debate the question. *' The South, influenced by motives of self-preser- vation, has impoverished her people in efforts to raise and equip an army, which apparently exceeded her abilities. The immediate pressure of this inequality on the part of the sunny South, in raising armies and supplying the munitions of war, can be seen at a glance. Tlie North has seaports open to the world, with a credit in foreign money markets, of which we are deprived, being only a Confederacy un- recognized by other nations of the world. The THE PALMETTO 265 want of such recognition has operated as a bar to the formation of treaties with foreign powers, that would result in the greatest benefits to us," said the major. Judge Ca worth rephed : " No nation acquainted with the nature of our political association would be unwise enough to enter into stipulations with states so weak, against states so powerful, conceding on their part, privi- leges of importance, while they are apprised that the transgression on the part of the offender would cause the Union to blow her ships out of the water. State governments would be prone to rivalship with that of the Union, the foundation of which will be the love of power ; and in any contest between the federal head and one of its members, the people will be most apt to unite with their local govern- ment for a short time until they see the folly of contending against a power. The liberty of the people would be less safe in this state of things, than in that which left the national affairs in the hands of the federal government." "But," said the major, "an army is a dangerous weapon of power. It had better be in those hands of which the people are most hkely to be jealoiiy, 266 TEE PALMETTO than in those of which the people are least likely to be so. For it is a truth which the experience of all ages has attested, that the people are commonly most in danger when the means of injuring their rights are in the possession of those of whom they entertain the least suspicion," "But," said the judge, ''all free governments ultimately prevail over the views of its rulers ; so there are particular moments in public affairs, when the public, stimulated by some irregular passion, or misled by the artful misrepresentations of interested men, may call for measures which they themselves will afterwards be the most ready to lament and condemn. In these critical moments, however will come the salutary interference of some temperate and respectable body of citizens, in order to check the misguided career, and to sus- pend the blow, to lower the hand meditated by the people against themselves and their country, until reason, justice and truth can regain a ruling power over their minds. Look at what the people of Athens could have avoided if their government had maintained a provident safeguard against the tyranny of their own passions. While I will admit that a people spread over an extensive r^^^ion, ca^- THE PALMETTO 267 not, like the crowded inhabitants of a small district, be subject to the infection of violent passions, or to the danger of combining in the pursuit of unjust measures, yet I am far from denying the fact that this is a distinction of peculiar importance, and that it is one of the principal recommendations of our union of states, and we should not be disposed either to deny its existence or to undervalue its importance. " It is an uncontradicted fact, that the prosperity of the American people depends on the unity of states; and the prayers of our women and children, and the brain and efforts of our statesmen should be constantly directed in that way, as an indispen- sable necessity of true Republican form of govern- ment. Equally undeniable is it, that whatever, and however it is instituted, the people of this great Union must bow in quiet submission to its behests, to protect our national rights and to vest the su- preme power in a central or Federal government, that is necessary to the preservation of this Union of Sister States; and it is well worthy the careful consideration of the Southern States, whether it would be more conducive to the personal interests of their citizens, that they should, as to all general 268 THE PALMETTO purposes, be one great and independent nation under one Federal government, than that they should divide themselves off into a Confederacy, weak in defense of their rights either by land or sea," said the judge. "There is nothing new in your doctrine," said the major, *'and I am pleased to say it is pervaded with the air of historical truth, and I only wish the war had never begun . But, " added he, * ' the curtain will be up in the theatre by the time we reach there, and I want you to see the whole play. You will enjoy a good laugh, which will be as a tonic, and you will rest well to-night, save for your dreams of the Widow D'Eyrand and your well wishes for her." And the two friends were soon on their way to the play-house. CHAPTER XXV PREPARATION AT THE PALMETTO September found Mrs. Salario back on the Pal- metto plantation, gathering her cotton and making final preparations to dispose of her slaves, with the avowed intention of retiring to the city of New Orleans, to enjoy the remainder of her life. She had just passed her fortieth birthday as she said. John Covington gave her to understand that when the loss of her husband could be suitably forgotten, he would offer to her his hand. He was two years her senior; had seen a great deal of the world, and was now anxiously aw^aiting an opportunity to find a business to engage in by which he could make an honorable living. Covington laid all his plans before Major Johnson, who informed him that he had several interests; that he would give him a place at a salary to net him a good living, but he advised him not to at- tempt a risk in a new business until the war was over and peace again restored. The business world would again adjust itself, but it would take many (269) 270 THE PALMBTTO long years to rebuild the South in the condition it was when Fort Sumter was fired upon. No greater pleasure could be found by Major Johnson and his friend, John Covington, than to go out to the Palmetto every Saturday evening and remain there until Monday morning; and an early drive would bring them back in the city, in time for office business. Mrs. Salario extended a continuous invitation, and always expected them in time for supper, as she said the old Palmetto was not to her what it used to be. The surroundings daily seemed more gloomy, and she longed for the day she would bid the grand old estate good-bye. She frequently would say to the major and Mr, Coving- ton, that their visits weekly were the only consola- tion she had, and if it were not for them, her feel- ings would drive her to melancholy. Often during the week as she went through the fields to see her overseers, as she had for years been accustomed to do, she would soliloquize, " Why did I spend the best years of my life here ? I should have followed my husband in his wild haunts, brought him to his duties, and kept him with me. If he had refused to remain with me, I TUE PALMETTO 271 should have adopted some rigid rules, that would be practically a discipline. Had I frankly said in the beginning, ' I will go when you go ; I will re- turn when you return ; I will do what you do,' I might have spent the last eighteen years in com- parative happiness. The folly of my hfe is in living as I have lived, a slave to his wishes and desires. Poor fool that I was, to beUeve everything my hus- band told me; and for all these long years to deprive the true owners of this princely plantation, and have the family scattered to the winds of the earth; Risaho buried in Brazil, and Mrs. RisaUo in New York; Antonio and Leona separated in childhood, as wandering orphans, and only recently to meet by chance. Oh, that the good Lord may forgive Don for his cruelty and villainy. No wonder that he stayed away. I suppose the very trees haunted ])im. I always noticed how restless he w^as when home. I now remember he would often take me to the city and would make some excuse, and be late and stay at some hotel all night. But it is all over now, and I hope he will be forgiven for the great and many evils he has done. I feel that his death saved his Spanish beauty from disgrace. If so, then let us say that it was fortunate that he 272 ^'^^ PALMETTO was taken. A greater villain has not been known in recent years." By this time she was in the lower field and met the overseer. "Robert, I want you to have all the cotton picked, and the fields plowed for Antonio and Leona. Everything will go on just as usual, but I want to keep for myself all the crops. I have al- ready conveyed to the children the plantation." An old colored man who was working close by said, "Missus, did you say the children are coming home ? Bless them ! I wonder if they will re- member old Hezekiah, how he cried the day they left, near nineteen years ago. Missus, are they large and stout ? " "Yes," said Mrs. Salario, "No finer looking people anywhere. They will not be here until next Spring. " " Why wait so long ? " " Oh, Antonio had to go back to Brazil and settle some unfinished business there; Leona does not want to come down until Antonio returns," she said. " Does they look like their parents ? " he inquired. "Leona is the picture of her mother, but taller an 1 not so stout ; Antonio is about his father's size. THE PALMETTO 273 They are Eisalios, Hezekiah, and you will know them when you see them." "Missus, to de Lawd, you must tell sure de day dey come, for I preached de day after dat dey left, and I told my congregation dat I am a prophet, and dat 1 prophesied we'd see dem children back and well again. Another reason I want to know jest de day dey come is because I am a free nigger, and I want to gather a thousand niggers and have an old- fashioned meeting, and welcome dem back. Bless de Lawd, won't we have a grand old time ! I'll have a hundred 'possums, baked sweet potatoes, some baked cat fish, two barbecued oxen. Also, cider, honey, and enuff snake pisen to make the darkies all forget de war times. Oh, Missus, tell dem air children to come soon. I am tired waiting a'ready. If young Mars Toney is like his father, this old darkey will have a good home, when he is too old to work in de cotton field. Missus, I'm gwine to commence soon getting all de darkies togedder, and rehearse, and ter drill. Won't we have a grand old time. I won't be mor'n forty or fifty years old then. Bless der souls, I love to see dem. Say, Missus, we can have a 'hoe down' dat night in de cotton warehouse, caift we? ' 27i 1IIE PALMETTO *'Yes, Hezekiah ; I want you to manage the whole affair, and to make the children realize I am not the only one wlio welcomes them back to the old plantation." Mrs. Salario noticed the gladness in the old man's eyes; that he spoke but the sentiments of his heart. She felt reasonably sure that the details of a grand rally of welcome could not be put in better hands than his, although such a greeting to Leona and Antonio would be rather novel, as their recollection of negro characters was very vague ; but their earli- est years were all spent among them, and it might kindle in their minds pleasant memories of their early youth, and they might better remember their father and mother. Toney was then five years old and Leona three. Both of them could now tell every song that was sung by the old slaves on the day of their departure, and well did they remember the last one, " We can't say that sad good-bye." "Yes," said she, "I am glad I have mentioned it. I never thought for a moment the propriety of telling the Risalio negroes of the return of the children. I must give Pomp charge of one of the departments of the grand welcome." Mrs. Salario was soon over in the central field, THE PALMETTO 275 giving the same orders there, and so on until she had made her usual rounds, reaching the mansion again at noon, and feeling the good effects of her morning ride, that gave her such a hearty appetite for dinner. She rode up to the large stone steps and was assisted off her horse by old Tilda, who said : "Bless you, child, you ben gone all morning. Tell me quick what made old Hezekiah holler and laugh so when you was down dar. I heard him, and I's got up on de fence, and I tought he'd got new rehgion in him 'gin. Bless his old soul, he nigh eighty years ole, and such hollering and scrapin' I didn't know what was up." Mrs. Salario related the information she had im- parted to old Hezekiah. "What a fool I bill. I could ha' told all de nig- gers dat myself and kep' de praise myself. But no use talkin' ; ole Hezekiah has nuffin' to do but go round, and he'll trabbel ten miles dis afternoon on dat ole one- ear, three-legged mule, tellin' every nig- ger about de children comin' back." Mrs. Salario passed to her room, thence down- stairs to her dining-room. Tilda was still awaiting her coming. The dining-room was as perfect as 276 THE PALMETTO the hands of an artist could make it. Clean white table linen ; china so clear the contents could be almost seen through the dishes ; a small roast pig in the center of the table, round as a rolling pin, with a miniature ear of corn in its mouth, covered all over with cloves and spices ; baked sweet pota- toes and white onions around the feet, with a dish of sliced white bread at the side ; an adjoining dish resembling great flakes of snow, a boiled head of small duchess cabbage, a blue cat fish and coffee the color of dark wine. '*Ah, Tilda," said Mrs. Salario, ''your dinner would give a sick person an appetite." " S'pose I won't long hab de pleasure to wait on you, Missus," she said, as the last words sunk in her throat, and her eyes began to water. ''Why ?" inquired Mrs. Salario, surprised, "Why, Missus, some of de darkies say you're gwine to sell all de niggers on de plantation afore long." "Dear Tilda," said Mrs. Salario, "I intend to sell a few, but to all the old people I am going to give their freedom. You and Pomp I never intended to part with. You can both consider yourselves free any time; but yon are too old to work for your liv- THE PALMETTO 277 ing and I think both of ycu had better remain with me all your lives, and I will take care of you. Just look after our cooking, make the young ones do the work, and Pomp will superintend just as he's been doing; and when I go off on a trip you both will accompany me. You must never think I will sell either of you. If you want to remain here when Toney and Leona return you shall have your choice; but you must do away with the idea that you will ever be sold." The poor slaves seemed to appreciate the favor. They had been on the Palmetto for more than fifty years, were married before they were brought there by the senior Covington, and had long since regarded it as their home. In fact, the visitors com- ing there would think something wrong, if they should call and did not see Pomp at the door to re- ceive them, and if old Tilda was not found to show them to their rooms. CHAPTER XXVI THE DOUBLE WEDDING It was the long-wished for wedding day. Mrs. D'Eyrand was up long before dawn — something unusual for her. Every servant in the house was astir; the florist's delivery wagons, laden with the choicest displays of the most rare selections, were there. Mrs. Salario was soon seen descending the stairs with Mrs. D'Eyrand. They were arranging the plants and flowers. The sun rose in all majestic splendor, and as it peeped through the curtains in Leona's chamber, the warm rays aroused her, and raising her eyes to the picture of Major Johnson, for years hanging on the wall, she smiled to think how happy she was. Then glancing toward the window, and noticing the beautiful morning, the sun in streams of heavenly heat, making streaks of light on the car- p(^t, she recalled Goethe's poem: (278) THE PALMETTO 279 " The sun makes music as of old, Amid tlie rival spheres of heaven. On its predestined circle rolled With thunder speed; the angels even Draw strength from gazing on its glance, Though none its meaning fathom may. The "World's unwithercd countenance Is bright as at creation's day." ''Yes," she said, " that is nice, but Ruskin, in all his wisdom, wrote that every woman should have several young men under consideration at the same time, any one of whom she could marry if she chose; and that she should keep them under obser- vation for at least three years, before entering upon so momentous a decision as an engagement. Of course, this would not be applicable to me. Not that it is too high a pitch of civihzation, but I never loved but one, and instead of three years acquaint- ance it reaches back to my infancy. ' 'Again, I am not subject to the two most fruitful causes of unfortunate marriages, which are de- scribed as the hasty, ill-considered engagements, and false standards for estimating personal worth, where every conceivable virtue is imputed to the adored one. I must remember that this stej) ap- parently takes me from the summer of youth and soon places me slowly in the wasting path of more 280 2'^^^ PALMETTO matured age. Whether the Ught in that path be- comes brighter, or will be oftea shadowed, is also something I must consider. It is pleasant to look through the vista of my youth, and console myself with the happy thought that my purity has left none of life's shadows. I have a home to shelter me and a heart to sympathize with me in my cares. I have a fireside around which to gather my friends. I have wealth, youth, beauty, and all ac- comphshments needed. Major Johnson is a pro- fessional gentleman, able to add to his already large wealth. Although an orphan, I have had the advantage of good friends. My only relations ad- vise my marriage." In reverie she was considering this serious step, when there was a hurried knock at the door, and she heard Zola say, " Can I come in ?" and Zola rushed in with a merry laugh, her face radiant with joy, as she looked at Leona and said, " I have been up an hour." "I have been sitting here that long pondering over what I am about to take upon myself to-day." Zola passed to the windows, raised them and closed the inside blinds, saying, THE PALMETTO 281 "Hurry up, Leona, breakfast is ready; we are all waiting for you," as she left the room. Leona hurriedly dressed and v/ent down to the drawing-room, where she found Mademoiselle Letoho Rapalje, with several other of her young friends, to greet her. They were aU soon seated in the large, spacious dining-room, which was deco- rated and perfumed with flowers. Zola related how she found Leona, pondering, on the side of the bed, over the seriousness of the step she was about to take. Mrs. D'Eyrand declared she was right, but thought Middleton's ideas as expressed in one of his beautiful poems applicable: " ' What a delicious breath marriage sends forth 1 The violet bed's not sweeter! Honest wedlock Is like a banqueting house built in a garden, On which the Spring's chaste flowers take delight To cast their modest odors; when base lust With all her powers, pr.inting'? and best pride, Is but a fair house built by a ditch side.' " Leona's approaching marriage had become the leading topic of conversation in society circles, to- gether with the romance surrounding her long en- gagement with the major, and the peculiar condi- tion thereto attached, and the exceedingly romantic discovery of her lost brother, which made possible 282 THE PALMETTO the fulfillment of their vows. These matters were all discussed and commented upon by Leona's friends, and her extremely modest demeanor in setting the marriage one year from the time of the discovery; many even saying she was the truest sis- ter and the noblest woman of the present age. Her manner this morning was calm, as though she might have fully weighed the importance of the married relation. She accepted the good wishes of her guests, and slowly, reverently passing through her mind an unspoken prayer, mindful that she was about to share the life of a man double her age, high-minded, the possessor of a noble char- acter, who had seen the world, had had opportuni- ties to marry at any time in life, was at the head of his profession, with abundance of wealth, and a large and remunerative practice. He had seen the beauties of Europe and America, associated with them, could have married nearly any one of them ; but for these long years he lovingly waited for her. Ah, this must be the true love indeed. Why did he do this unless his love was true, pure and sin- cere ? "No," said she, soliloquizing, ''I am not mis- trusting his love, nor tlie sincerity of his lion or, THE PALMETTO 283 but it is only natural I should be thoughtful. How- delightful it is that I alone should be loved by him, and be blessed by the gift of a man as noble as he ? My life will be sheltered by his love and affection, his care and protection." Her chamber was filled with delicately colored paintings of nearly everything known to female in- genuity. The presents to her had come the previous week. One room was given up to china-ware. The " cabinet room " was used for antique bric-a-brac; the drawers in the iron vault were nearly full of jewelry. Everything in the mansion seemed to have an air of tenderness, mingled with purity and refinement. They who had gathered were lady friends of Major Johnson, from New Orleans, Charleston and Atlanta, also the lady friends of Herbert from Brazil, Madrid and Paris. These beautiful w^omen from different nations, nearly all conversed in the French language, so becoming to this wedding. The court language of the civilized world came so naturally into use. The gleam of diamonds of vari- ous waters dazzled the eyes, as they came in contact with the flashes of rubies, of carmine and violet, and carmine and hyacinth red, and Oriental sapphires. 284 THE PALMETTO Among the many presents received, none seemed to fill the eyes of Leona so well as a plate of sap- phires, many hexagonal crystals of blue and bright red, received from Chevalier Du Benson, a resident of Madrid and a personal friend of her brother. The front parlor was now being occupied by the gentlemen who came in. It was a beautiful May morning, an ideal day ; the air of the rooms was permeated with the scent of native and exotic plants ; the gas that penetrated the tinted globes of various colors, and the warm sunlight that came creeping through the folds of the lace curtains, gave a delightful and delicate shade of color that could only be produced by a mixture of the works of art, and that of nature's production. At ten o'clock the solemnization of her marriage would take place. Zola had long since been ready. She was assisted by Mademoiselle Letolio Rapalje, who was to be one of her bridesmaids, though for years she had good reason to beheve that she would wear the same robes, and that she would be the happy woman to claim the honorable name of Madame Antonio Risalio ; but life's changes and fate decreed otherwise. As Major Johnson bowed before Leona, she never THE PALMETTO 285 looked so beautiful in his eyes- Tall, finely propor- tioned, her hair dark as midnight, with great dark eyes, the casual observer might easily imagine why the major waited for years for this prize. Grace and dignity surrounded every movement of her body. Her soft, mellow, angelic look, with her white virginal and bridal flowers, softly tinged with the infinite tenderness of her nature, her eyes full of youthful and dreamy lustre, her face flushed with child-like innocence and modesty, bearing the weight of her joy, well could she, and rightfully should she, feel happy on this her wedding day. She was about to share the trials of another's life, and divide with him the blessings of her own existence. '' God hath breathed His influence into the very essence of all things. " As the bridal party passed into the Cathedral, Mendelssohn's Wedding March, with all the solem- nity that could be given it by the skillful hands of the most trained and experienced musician was heard ; then came the slow tread down the center isle until the altar was reached, where waited the bishop in his conventional robes, assisted by four priests ; while the youthful attendants stood at 286 '^SE PALMETTO the altar rail. Major Johnson and Leona were first united in marriage ; then the service over Herbert and Zola commenced, and as Herbert placed the ring on Zola's finger he caught the eye of Letolio. Like an electric flash, his promise to her, which for years stood to him as one of the Commandments, seemed to have stabbed him to the heart. His next word in answer was almost incoherent. At the words, " Those whom God hath joined together let no man put asunder," Herbert unintentionally turned his face toward Zola. Letolio being to the left brought Herbert's face to hers, as he remembered their last meeting on the sea rocks and the lashing waves. Her face was radiant with joyful smiles as she whispered to him in tones audible to him in Spanish, "be brave, brother." The last word saved him from swooning, for he remembeied that she exchanged all her love for him for his brotherly affection. When the last words were spoken, pro- nouncing them man and wife, nothing but the surrounding situation prevented him from embrac- ing her at the altar, and reassuring her of his undy- ing brotherly affection, as he did after his return, in the presence of Zola, who had long since been informed of their love affair. THE PALMETTO 287 Letolio's acts and conduct in releasing Herbert of his promise to her, and coming to this country to assist at his marriage, as a sister, were indeed acts of nobiUty that would be scarcely expected from one so young ; and in one where the deep roots of love had grown, until she had every reason to believe that nothing but the death of either would prevent the faithful fulfillment of all his promises and assurances. On the return from the Cathedral, the guests filled the house, and later on the dining-hall, which was beautifully illuminated, and comfortably seated two hundred, the lofty frescoed ceiling being thoroughly ventilated, with lights brightening the splendor of the occasion. The brilliancy of the assemblage was only equaled by the magnificence of the tropical and native botanical displays; against the walls, in niches, and on stands in the hall were grouped plants, and flowers, with small trees in convenient places. CHAPTER XXVII LEAVING Nl^W YORK On the first of June, as the last whistle blew for all on board, could be seen two carriages hurrying to the wharf : four ladies, four gentlemen, one negro woman, and, riding with one of the drivers, an old negro. All were soon aboard, and as the baggage was removed to the respective state rooms, the ladies and gentlemen went on deck, just as the bell tolled and the hawsers were loosened from the pier. The great wheels were reversing their action, the steamer was backing out into the river ; and as she turned her bow she gave two long deep whistles, signaling an approaching boat. The party was composed of Leona and Major Johnson ; Zola and Antonio RisaUo ; Mr. and Mrs. Judge Ca worth, and Mrs. and John Covington ; tlie marriage of the last two couple happening only a week later than the wedding of the young people ; and the respective honeymoons were to be spent on a trip to New Orleans, by way of the ocean, and a stay of a month on the Palmetto. Old Tilda and (388) THE PALMETTO 289 Pomp were on their way back on a new route. While they as a party thought well of eacli other, it was not strange to see lovers on such a trip drop off separately in pairs. As the steamer passed the forts the crew ran up the stars and stripes. Pass- ing down the bay, the ship bore to the right, leaving Coney Island nearly out of view. Leona and Major Johnson, as well as Zola and Antonio, seemed perfectly matched. Their court- ships gave them to know that their tastes and sympathies were identical. Their lives assumed new forms. Having a suffic- ient acquaintance with each other's character, their habits and social requirements, were, as they should be, thoroughly conversant, and fully proven by association before marriage. Leona and the major were sitting near the bow of the boat, engaged in a conversation on the beau- ties of the distant fading hills and cities, when the judge slapped him on the shoulder, saying, "Old boy, what are you talking about ?" "Oh, nothing much," replied the major; "but I was about to tell Leona that I may have to give you a course of training, and some good advice; to leave off your conversations on the great Republican 290 'J^SE PALMETTO party after we reach New Oii eans. Although the city is now in the hands of the Union army, politics is not as agreeable as poetry there." "Never mind me," said the judge, '^'I will be a Southern sympathizer when I get down there." He passed back on the boat. A genteel looking couple came near our friends, and as they sat down continued their conversation as though they were alone. "You love me," he was saying, with some eager- ness, " you say that I am the sunshine of your exist- ence. No such happiness exists as I have given you." As she replied in the affirmative, he continued, " Now that you are mine, I own your love and control your affections, and am ever ready to crown your future. You would not have me leave you forever, would you ? " " No," was her rather speedy reply. "Then why do you ask me to go through the mockery of a marriage ? Is not a true love marriage enough ? Can't we rise above the hollow emptiness of the old forms ? Can't we establish a new rule of action that will be a precedent for others ? I tell you I will always be true to you. Does it ma ke it any stronger if I tell you so in the presence of a TUB PALMETTO 291 preacher or a judge ? Is not my word just as good privately as publicly ? Do you ^doubt me or my sin- cerity ? Have I ever deceived you ?" The poor, timid girl seemed afraid to speak, but she finally uttered faintly, abnost inaudibly, " No." "We are now on board the boat, and will be for several days. Why not say you are mine, and let me claim you from this moment as my wife," said the cool sugar-tojigued villain. " My education and training have been other- wise," said she. *' But," said he, ** marriage is only a civil contract. " "I have been taught that there is something higher, and more noble in the formation of that sacred alliance than a barter or sale," said the weak, innocent girl. " Is it not a civil contract ? " he again inquired. "Yes," said she. "Then is not my word all you need ? " he again ejaculated. Her eyes snapped as she quickly replied, "Hove you dearly, but God has given me will power enough to bridle that love and control my feelings." She arose as a queen from her throne. 292 T^^ PALMETTO ** When I give you the authority to call me wife, it will be after the chiming of the old church bells announces our marriage, and after the bans have been pubhshed for three weeks in advance, and the proper preparations for that sacred contract which shall be Hterally fulfilled in every particular." He left angrily and went down into the cabin. Leona went to her side, bent down and kissed her as she said, "We heard. You are a pure, noble woman; but as you value happiness quit the company of that man." Leona and Zola did not regard marriage as a toy to be played with while fancy lasted, and then cast aside or to be severed at will, but as a new exist- ence; to continue down the path of life, whether clouds obscure the way or mountains obstruct the passage. They looked upon marriage as a new and holy relation in full compliance with God's command- ments, and not as a dazzling sea of shining pleasure to last a few months, to be released as soon as other faces are found to charm their fancies and satisfy their passions, then to form new relations to again start out in brilliant and various spangles until THE PALMETTO 293 youth and beauty are worn away, when all charms vanish, the power of fascination is dead, the warm passions of youth have given place to the maturity of age, beauty to wrinkled ugliness. Leona was telling Zola the sad story as she knew it of this young innocent girl, and while she was speaking, the girl herself came to them, and sitting down by Leona, said, " My dear friend, while you are but a few years my senior, your motherly advice this morning gave warmth and tone to my soul ; engendered a new feeling in my heart. I have been an orphan since my infancy, but had the advantage of an educa- tion where the beautiful religieuse in the convent gave me instructions that I almost forgot for a time, while my would-be lover had carried me away into fairy-land by the sweetness of his honied language." The purity and nobleness of Leona burst forth as she said, "My dear girl, I am now on my wedding trip, having been just married to the gentleman you saw with me on deck this morning. He waited for me for years. He never intimated to me what your companion tried to persuade you was right. When 29 i THE PALMETTO I went to the cathedral the bells were ringing. To me it sounded like the heavenly voices of the angels singing psalms to praise the new relation I was about to assume ; the words of the bishop and his attendants, the beautiful musical tones of the great organ and the voices in the choir sounding as heaven's joyous acclaim to the response of my mar- riage vow^s. The bright morning light shone through the stained window glasses with scores of different colors, while hundreds of plants and flowers perfumed the air, as the holy fathers re- sponded to the service of the bishop and the mar- riage vows were declared. These things caused my mind to take a flight, as I verily believe that the angels in heaven were at that very moment record- ing every vow we made, and registering our mar- riage, as I was silently pledging that I would by both act and deed add to my credit on the ledger. Every movement was Christian-like. When the ceremony concluded we received the blessing from the bishop. It sounded like the indorsement of Heaven. As we walked from the altar, the music of the choir, and the chiming of the cathedral bells sounded truly as though everything was done by divine command." THE PALMETTO 295 It was nearly midnight as Leona concluded hor conversation with her new young friend, who sat with Leona's hand between hers as in a dream, be- lieving everything she heard, and every word mak- ing a lasting impression. She drew a long breath as she said, "I have just left school, and never saw a mar- riage; never was even permitted to read novels, and know nothing of the outside world." Their attention was attracted by the girl's lover advancing down the cabin toward them. As he came up he politely bowed, with his hat in his hand, remarking, "Miss Lomerie, will you come up on deck with me ? I want to talk with you." She arose to her feet. Her eyes flashed like a chained tigress's as she said, in words of the most bitter and burning import, " My eyes have been opened and I loathe you sir. Let the blight of your presence be seen no more by me." She gently sat down again by Leona. Her ap- pearance was noble, her poise dramatic, her eyes tragic. Though but expressing these few words, she sat shivering as though completely exhausted. 296 THE PALMETTO The fellow skulked away as if the whip had been applied ten times for every word he used in the morning. The young lady sat silent and motion- less, but with the nobility of a queen, the purity of an angel, and the determination of a commander. " You are a noble girl. Your little speech had its withering effect. That fellow would gladly go ashore to-night if it were possible. You will never again be annoyed by him. He has received what he richly deserved." CHAPTER XXVin AN OCEAN VOYAGE The steamer loaded with her precious load of humanity nobly plowed the water. It seemed to be the opening up of the South when New Orleans was taken by the Federal Navy. Several hundred people wanting to return to New Orleans were on board, and nearly all on deck this bright and beautiful morning. As the ship penetrated the lower bay, the "toss- ing of the waves " made the passengers mindful that the incoming tide was carrying some of the rollers of the sea. The numerous private yachts out for a "toss" could be seen in all directions, making the ocean spotted with their snow white sails, many being within a few hundred feet of the steamer. As she passed, the news agent aboard threw to several of them the morning papers in oilcloth wrappers. The major and Leona being near the bow, she remarked, " This is truly a delicious, dreamy day, suitable (297) 298 THE PALMETTO for a honeymoon voyage. Look back," she said ; " see, we are out of sight of the land." He looked through his glass and replied, *'Yes, with the naked eye it is all water, but through the glass you can see a deep green forest, over the emerald water. Look, Leona, how beauti- ful ! " passing his glass to her, as he strained his eyes to discover what he had just seen through the glass, but nothing save the rolling of the waves rewarded him save here and there the smoke from a steamer or a few sails from the disappearing yachts. The sun was now in the meridian and shining through the light clouds, cast a long golden shadow over the wrinkled waves, dazzling the eyes, yet pleasing the mind. It was truly a scene that none but the seafarer has an opportunity to enjoy. One has often heard it said by people even of romantic dispositions that they had no desire to travel on the ocean ; that they could see all they wished on the prairies, mountains, plains and rivers; that a trijD from New Orleans to St. Paul, or from New York city, up the Hudson, or from St. Louis down the Mississippi to Cairo, or up the Ohio to Pittsburgh, was ail they longed for ; but one day's voyage on THE PALMETTO 299 the Atlantic will remove all such thoughts, and imbue the traveler with the idea of the immensity of the wonderful deep. They were far out from the chiming of church bells, the screaming of the steam whistles, the cry of the newsboy, or the jingling of the street car bells. Nothing but the churning of the paddles in the water disturbed the monotony of the stillness of the ocean and relieved the listener of the awed feeling that pervades the traveler the first day out. This was Leona's and Zola's first ocean voyage. They were lost in the sudden change of life and scene. They were amazed at the grandeur of space before and surrounding them. The ship by this time was out in the far deep ocean, her bow turned straight south. It was noon, and the gong announced dinner. The salt water breeze and the morning air had thoroughly sharpened their appe- tites, and a feeling that ample justice could be done to a hearty dinner accelerated their movements to the cabin, Avhere they found everything palatable, fresh from the shore, with wines from nearly all nations. Covered with snow white linen, china and silverware, the line of tables down the long cabin was a glittering splendor, 300 THE PALMETTO Again one finds the advantage of ocean travel. One has all the time he wants to eat and chat, no business appointment to keep, no train to catch, no case to try. At three o'clock was seen far to the south a small black smoke rising, gradually getting larger. After nearly an hour they could see with the aid of glasses the faint outlines of a ship gradually grow- ing larger in view, and at five o'clock in the even- ing she sounded her whistle as she sped to the right and hailed. It was the "Oletha," bound for New York. The sun was soon like a mighty mountain setting behind the rolling waves, as though actually going down into the water, a sight for the first time witnessed by Leona and Zola. After supper the passengers were all on deck again to see the moon rise out of the eastern waters. An old lady said she "never thought of the moon coming up out of the water. Out on her farm it always raised out of a great holler east of her house. She could sit in her room and look over her wood- shed and see it rise." But the rising of the moon on a clear, calm night when the air is hushed, the world still, the people around you standing speechless ; THE PALMETTO 301 nothing but the motion of the ship and the move- ment of her machinery to mar the otherwise abso- lute silence that reigns as the great orb rises out of the water, its velocity of movement perceptible to the eye ; its reflection on the green water and the myriad of stars that make their appearance, com- ing on like the opening of poppies, picturing the ocean with their twinkUng images, gladdening the the heart; as Leona remarked, "what an ideal honeymoon voyage." The sea breeze soon became too cool for the com- fort of summer garments. While nature's dazzling splendor was inducement enough to keep them on deck, yet the comfort of the cabin was more con- genial to their feelings. It became known among the many passengers that the Palmetto crowd, as they were afterwards called, constituted a quartette of newly married people, representing the young, who were taking their first lessons in new life and imbibing the first sweets of married bliss, and those who were simply sipping from dishes that had been used be- fore. The old judge and his newly made wife had all 302 ^^^ PALMETTO the cunning of experience and maturity, about their coy way of slipping off hand in hand and taking a clasping embrace and a warm set-to in kissing in the shadow of the smoke-stack of the steamer, while those of less years and practice were watch- ing the rising of the moon and the shooting of the evening stars, on the other side of the ship did not pass unnoticed, and when they slyly returned to their friends and were chided for their absence and possible purpose, the judge thought it advisable to retire to the cabin and have some good music, both instrumental and vocal. Until then the ladies, whose minds were entirely in the skies and waters, were not aware that they were chilly and cold. *' The moon, the beautiful moon," remarked Zola. "Major, you are a poet ; can you compose a poem for this occasion ?" "Yes," was the prompt reply. As he said that, he folded his arms across his manly breast, and leaning back against the ship rail said : "It must be descriptive of the surroundings; of the ocean, the moon, and of our party. Well, four couples, hence four verses : 'I^HE PALMETTO 503 "A voyage containing a world of bliss. An ocean ride, a moon like this ; Far from slioru, iii green ocean maze, The happiest trip in all our days. All round are liappy, why not w^e 1 Wrapped in each other, sipping as a bee ; Far from liome, our green bircli and bower Would not return for any earthly power. In nature's anlhem, we're lulled in dreams ; Silence, not a murmur, rocks us to sleep ; Wrapped in slumber as we ride o'er the deeps, Not a stir, not a snore, until morning peeps. Out in the ocean, the distance we can't tell, Disturbed only by the toll of the ship's bell ; No lonely valley, echoing human like ; Nothing but open ocean and flowing of the tide." "How is that for atrocious rhyming'?" laughed the major in conclusion. They all clapped their hands, surprised at his ready wit, and poetical inclination, and congratu- lated him upon his happy faculty of reehng off rhymes. "Over the Ocean Wave" was sung by four gentlemen, much to the edification of all present. Truly it seemed that all the passengers were bent on pleasure, the voyage one to while away time, as is made daily to Manhattan Beach or Coney Island. The little children were waltzing on the deck, chas- ing each other around, and giving every evidence 304 TSE PALMETTO of the happy feehng that prevailed on board the ship. The major opened the piano while Leona adjusted the stool and then sat down and smoothly ran her fingers over the ivory keys, as she looked up and asked her husband what he wanted. He returned her glance. As he glanced down into her large dark lustrous eyes, she looked her best, just chilled enough to make her cheeks a rosy red and her eyes snap like electric sparks. Their very appearance when together was indicative that their feelings and passions for each other were in full sympathy, and attuned to the very chords of their nature, without which love's harmonies could exist for but a time. Her voice was low, mingled with love and pas- sion, that kept her husband charmed with her from the first time they met, and it seemed that if he tried he could not release himself from that sweet bondage. As she ran her fingers over the keyboard, the smooth, easy, graceful touch seemed to attract all in the cabin. They soon gathered about as if expect- ing to hear music from some great genius. She played two select classical pieces with masteily THE PALMETTO 305 finish. Colonel Eollington, who for years had been the personal friend of Major Johnson, and when Leona was a child used frequently to visit the RisaUos on the Palmetto, and had not met Leona for eighteen years until that day, in company with his wife was returning to New Orleans. Standing by Leona when she finished the second selection, he remarked, " There are so many of us now returning home, we think the most appropriate piece you can play and sing is, ' Home, Sweet Home ! ' " "As you will," she promptly replied, turning on the stool and looking through the music; " I can't find the music, but I remember it sufficiently well." As she played and sang the favorite piece, her voice was soft, gentle as the falling snow. '*A flow of music from the soul," said the colonel. Her voice, rich as it was deep, silvery as it tinkled like the vibrations of a silver bell, musical as the notes of a mocking bird; then low, rippling like the flow of a mountain stream over and among the pebbles, then loud and clear like the clarion notes of a bugle, then again as if imitati\re of the dew- drops from the eaves. As she sang, it visibly af- fected every one present, causing the moisture to 306 'J'SE PALMETTO appear in many an eye. Their minds were so carried away that when she ceased the cabin was still as death. Only the working of the wheels of the steamer, and the noise of the exhaust steam through the smoke-stack, could be heard. Turning as she said, ''What next?" and seeing so many weep- ing she hastily resumed her position and played *' Dixie" and sang "In Dixie's Land I'll take my stand." The change was electric. Not a man, woman or child in the cabin but was affected in- stantaneously, as if they were all attached to an electric wire and as the button was pushed by Leona, the flash reached the chords to every human heart. Cheers went up. People rushed from their state- rooms half dressed, not knowing the cause. Every eye was dry, every lump that stopped the throat but a moment before was gone like the change of scenes. New life took effect. Colonel EoUington stepped to the major, and slapping him on the shoulder, said, '' My boy, you ought to be the happiest man in the world. You waited for a prize and you got the choice." ''I do not care to monopolize the use of the instrument," Leona said, as she quietly arose, TBW PALMETTO Z(ft Calmly as though she had not made a lasting im- pression on every one present. The ladies rushed up and kissed her. One old French lady extended her both hands as she said, " Mon Dieu, I can hardly realize you are not an angel. I never heard such a voice, nor one so ab- solutely under the control of its mistress." CHAPTER XXIX A SUNRISE AT SEA After a pleasant night's sleep, rocked in an ocean cradle, and being refreshed by the change of atmos- phere, Leona arose early in the morning. The thought of the beautiful scene was a sufficient mo- tive for her to go at once on deck. ''Ah," she said to the captain, "how pleasant this exhilarating air. A tonic to any one, how agreeable to breathe and taste it." Captain De Congo quietly walked up to Leona as he said, *' Good morning, Mrs, Johnson. I came very near calling you Leona as of old. " " Never call me anything but Leona," she quickly replied. '' Well, I am glad you are with me; it makes me feel quite at home, but I only wish that Sofy was along." "She is a noble girl, captain, you are justly proud of such a daughter. I will have her come back when we go South for the winter." (308) THE PALMETTO 809 ** Yes, she told me of your kind invitation, and she gave as her only excuse for not coming now, that you had so many other attractions during this trip, she feared she would be in the way." "Oh, spooney, captain, is what you want to say ; but you as well as Sofy well know, that my age as well as the major's should be a sufficient guarantee against such foolish indulgences." " How long do you intend to be gone on your trip ? " inquired the captain. •' Only about six weeks. We contemplate return- ing to the South in November and spending the winter on the Palmetto. Sofy is to be with us," she said. " Yes, she has never been off the ship only for a moment when she was with me at New Orleans. It is trul}' kind of you to invite her to spend the winter with you. We shall feel that she will be m safe hands." "I hope you will have an opportunity to go ashore this trip." "I will have plenty of time, as I am not limited. It is only the opening of navigation. This is my first trip in which I make that port since the Vv-ar commenced." 310 TUE PALMETTO ''You appreliend no difficulty on the trip, do you ? " *'Not the least. The Union army is in full charge, and General Butler has given some orders for the health of the residents, which he says will be vigorously enforced, which will result, in my opinion, in effectively cleansing the city and making it one of the most healthful in the South." ''I rejoice that he has done so," she replied, "as the Palmetto is only seven miles from there, and we will attend the places of amusement during the season." *' I want to introduce you to a niece of mine who lives there; Miss Monteer, the one Sofy says looks so much like you," said the captain. ''I can never see you walk away from me without thinking of her. She is tall, graceful as a fawn; her hair is the same shade, and when she turns she has the same move- ment as you. Still, I don't want you to think that there is anything peculiar about your motion, but seeing one and then the other, there is something noticeable. Possibly if you were of different height and different complexion there would be nothing noticeable in the similarity. It may be one of those unaccountable things, that are not explainable, THE PALMETTO 311 For iustance, I know a lady who is under forty who has a daughter over twenty. They look the same age. Strange to say, there is a marked similarity in their faces, while the mother is beautiful and the daughter is homely." " Yes," she quickly replied, "I want to tell you something I read the other day of a remarkable resf mblance of a dog to his owner. I feel like mak- ing nn apology for the comparison, but the article made such an impression that I could not but men- tion it." " Your husband is coming up. Hide behind that smokestack. Keep out of his sight and we will have some fun at his expense. " She quickly concealed herself as he walked first front and then came aft. "Good morning, Captain," he said; ''have you seen Leona ? " The captain smiled as he said, ''You don't want me to understand that she is up this early, do you ? " "Yes, she got up before I did and said she would go on deck. She has not been here, you say ?" " Oh, no, I did not say that," as Leona tittered and laughed in a suppressed undertone, but was 312 THE PALMETTO quickly caught by the major as he ran around where she was, saying, " You httle rogue ! I did not know what you wanted to come on deck so early for, but I guess you and the captain must have met here, more by appointment than chance." She laughed as the captain replied, ''It will stimulate you to change your habits and rise earlier, Major," The light was making the horizon bright with the sun's brilhant rays. "I want to see a sunrise at sea. I have so often read of the scene, and this is my first opportunity," said Leona. " Sit here, Mrs. Johnson," said the captain. "In ten minutes your cuiiosity will be satisfied, and you will behold one of nature's most beautiful scenes; one you will not forget for many years. " The captain passed to his cabin, and returned to Leona's side just as the sun was making its appear- ance apparently out of the ocean to the east. " Here," said the captain, as he handed her a pair of glasses, "look through these or you will injure your eyes." "Ah, thanks; how easy, how soft the scene, and THE PALMETTO 313 how thoughtful of you, Captain, to go and get them for me But you have the reputation, and I see you merit it, of making all your passengers com- fortable, and your voyages pleasant and agreeable," she said; and quick as a flash, " Look ! see the sun; take the glasses. Here, take them quick; the grandest sight you ever saw." '' Never mind, I can see with my naked eyes. I have seen the sun rise hundreds of times," he laughed. ''Look at the reflection of the yellow light on the crest of the waves. See how the colors blend; yellow with green, yellow with blue; there a purple tint, now emerald green, and here where the sur- face is smooth like a plain of old gold. See where the wave breaks and the sheet of water falls back as a spray in diamond drops with all the reflections of a rainbow. It is a gi-and scene. Major, go down and bring up Zola. The girl doesn't know what she is missing." *' This scene will all disappear within five minutes," said the captain. '* Unless she is ready now to leave her room she will be too late," said he. After breakfast the passengers nearly all came on deck to see the meeting ships. Occasionally 8U THE PALMETTO they would see a gull flyiug, which caused the sailors to say, " We are not many miles from land." Possibly out from Charleston, and in i;he road where the blockade runners played. Between the latter named place and Liverpool, vessels were on the constant lookout for them. The running con- versations of what they expected to see, and what was expected, if they did see them, was the con- stant chat of all on deck. Directly it was announced that two ships were coming from the south-west, the very direction they expected danger, and to add to the already excited condition of all it was announced they were both men-of-war, one following close behind the other. It evidently was something the captain had' some reason to expect, as he had prior to this time placed his four guns ready for action. He stood on the bridge, with his glasses in hand leveled upon the two approaching steamers, only loweiing them long enough to give his eyes a rest. He oi-dered the flag to be run up as a signal to the vessels. The display of the flag frightened many ladies, and as soon as he discovered it he ordered all the passengers below and none but the crew on THE jALMETTO 315 deck. A very sensible order, but one that was mis- understood by many, as they thought it meant, •'clear the deck for action." From the cabin they could see the great ships bearing down on them. As the one in the lead dre-:v nearer they could see it was an English battle ship, closely pursued by a large American man-of- war. The EngUsh passed in front, or, as the sailors said, "under our bow." When stars and stripes were seen on the ship following her, a cheer of security from the passengers went up that almost raised the upper deck. Coming within hailing distance, the signal to stop was given. Soon a life- boat was lowered, manned by eight seamen. An officer stepped in and they were soon pulling for the steamer. The gentleman proved to be the captain, who informed the passengers he simply ordered the Englishman out of American waters and was following him up to see that his orders were obeyed. He told the news, and they supplied hi'ii with the late newspapers. He was soon back in his boat, and the steamer started; looking back they discovered the big battleship starting after the Britisher, her back fans propelling her along ove. a sea of foam. 316 THE PALMETTO At noon the sky was covered over with clouds, creating a gray colored haze. A slight wind blew up, making whitecaps. Tiie boat rocked like a duck on the water, so that the passengers were glad to get below again. All afternoon the wind blew and the waves tossed as though the steamer were but a pine plank thrown out in the sea. At the setting of the sun, the wild wind tempered her anger, but not so with the waves. Once angered they will take their own time to smother their wrath, bottle their rage and slumber. All during the night they could feel the ship roll and heave, and the angry waves strike against her sides. The next morning found a smooth sea, and the promise of a pleasant voyage. They were hailed at noon by the ''La Francia," bound for New York city. The day was passed with music and card playing and lounging about, and after supper a dance. CHAPTER XXX AGAIN AT NEW ORLEANS Arriving safely at New Orleans, the party drove directly to the St. Charles for breakfast. The major sent a messenger at once to the Pal- metto to have everything put in order for the com- pany, and ordering teams to come after the trunks and luggage brought from the North by the party. Carriages were ordered immediately after dinner. Leona, Herbert and Zola were anxious to go direct to the Palmetto, but the major desired the attend- ants to have time to get everything into proper shape, believing that a favorable impression on the minds of the party would be calculated to impress them with the place; and less likely to make them homesick. The major, intending to remain in the practice of his profession in New Orleans, wanted Zola and Herbert satisfied with the South, as it would be conducive to Leona's happiness to have her brother with her the rest of her life. John Covington and his wife were also to live ia (317) 318 THE PALMETTO New Orleans, while Judge Caworth and his wife intended to spend the summers in the North and winters in the South. After breakfast the ladies retired to their rooms, while the gentlemen went to the major's residence and found everything in the most perfect order; and when his old housekeeper learned that he took the party to the hotel she became very angry, think- ing it a reflection on her ability to receive them and properly provide for their wants. The major was so agreeably pleased by the way everything looked, and the anxiety of the old lady so great, that he sent a note by his carriage driver to the hotel, ask- ing them to come over to his private residence. Leaving John Covington and the judge there, he and Herbert walked down to his law office. Look- ing over the mail that had accumulated for the past three months, engaged his attention until twelve. When they returned to his residence they heard the merry singing of the ladies and the music of his grand piano. ''Oh, how joyful," said the major, "to hear Leona's voice singing in my parlor ! Wife, it is truly the realization of my dreams. But I intended to have her remain several days at the Palmetto THE PALMETTO 319 until I would have time and opportunity to give her a grand welcome here." Herbert remarked that he was satisfied. "She was anxious to immediately take charge without wasting any time in preparation or for- mality. " By this time the two were at the door, and Leona, seeing them, rushed to meet them, throwing her arms around her husband's neck, kissed him pas- sionately, time and again, as she said, ''My dear, what an ideal Southern home you have provided for me." "Yes," said he, "but you should have been here the last four years. " "But it is well that I am here now," she replied. "True," said he, "and I am very well satisfied with the fruit I reaped for my years of waiting, which were mingled with both fears and hopes; fears for the uncertainty of ever finding Herbert; hopes that might any day be blasted. But it is all over now, and you are here, my own dear and lov- ing Leona, the light of my heart, the dream of years, the summit of my ambition." Precisely at the hour of twelve, the old house- keeper had the great doors dividing the third and 320 THE PALMETTO rear parlor from the dining-room thrown open, dis- playing a long table loaded with a bountiful dinner, sideboard and niches all decorated with tropical l)lants. Negro servants with black suits and white gloves and aprons were standing ready iji their places, as the dear old lady announced that dinner was ready to be served. A hearty late breakfast after a sea voyage is not calculated to engender a tendency to promote an appetite for an early dinner. The wants of the body under the circumstances are much more easily satisfied, than the gratifications of the mind, if what Swift said is true that ''Power is the natural appe- tite of princes." Notwithstanding the late break- fast justice to the dinner was so thoroughly exe- cuted, that one would naturally believe that royal blood must have flowed in the veins of every one present in the party. After the last dishes and wine bottles were re- moved, the ladies were invited by the housekeeper to the drawing room to give the gentlemen an op- portunity for a smoke, as she said with a sly wink at Mrs. Covington. The dining-room doors being closed, several varieties of choice cigars were brought out and placed on the table, and as many THE PALMETTO 32 1 decanters of some drinks stronger than that which was offered the ladies. *^True Southern style," remai-ked Herbei-t, as he tested two or three different brands until he found the one best suited to his taste. John Covington was master of the ceremonies. Seeing that he did not indulge, the judge thought him best adapted, and he laughed as he said, jokingly : '' He will be apt to be the only sober one when we take the carriages for the Palmetto." Stories were told, and the judge wanted to sing a song, but he was induced to save it for the evening when the ladies were present. He then insisted he should read from a paper, which the master of ceremonies permitted, and which he said he could read better when standing. "Standing is the order of business," responded the master. Then the judge managed to find his vest pocket, and drew out his glasses and read, '* 'Julius Caesar's Letter.' I came, I saw, I conquered! has been ad- mired nearly two thousand years for its terseness. We think it rather verbose. The words ' I saw ' are entirely supei*fluous. Indeed, we think ' I 822 THE PALMETTO came ' wholly unnecessary. * I conquered ' would tell the whole story. But Julius had no doubt a good deal of leisure when he wrote that letter, and his style suffered in consequence. " The judge dropped the paper, saying, "What do you think of me as a reader ? " "Good," they all responded. "Don't you think the editor who wrote that article was up in his business ? When Julius Caesar conquered, that settled it. When I conquered the Widow D'Eyrand that settled it. Where is the sense of saying ' I came,' * I saw ? ' Don't you all know 'I came,' and if I came, don't you know ' I saw ? ' Now, neither of them did any good. ' I conquered.' That's what settled matters. Don't you know, if I rested my case and went to the jury or plead with the judge on the empty evidence that 'I came' they would laugh at me, and in reply would say several fellows came, but that did not do them any good. But I would say in reply, ' but I saw.' They would say, 'what did you see, old man ? ' " His voice lowered; a grave look covered his face, as he quietly resumed, " Wonder if they would say ' old man ' to me ? " THE PALMETTO 323 brisking up again to proceed, "suppose they would say nothing in your ' I saw ' business; and fools ' can see that have eyes. Wellj I would say 'I conquered ' and they would say, ' Why did you not say that the first time ? ' " If I want to prove a man is dead, it is enough to introduce witnesses who saw the corpse. Where is the use of proving that he was sick for six months and that he had ten doctors, etc.? " By this time the judge was trying to get on top of a chair. The master of ceremonies asked him what he was trying to do, when he repUed : '*Iwant to get where the jury can see me. I want to make a speech." It was with some little difficulty that he was made to beUeve that he was not in a court room and in the presence of a jury. He sat down as he remarked : "You fire up an old race horse and let him get a scent of the race track, and see if he don't flare up his tail and want to run. Just the way with an old lawyer. I thought I was in the court room. Gosh, boys, I thought I was back again with the bits in my mouth. I hope my conduct was only damnum absque injuria. Boys, let's go out the back way 324 THE PALMETTO to take a walk. I know now what's the mat- ter." John Covington took him out for fresh air and a stroll, while the major and Herbert joined the ladies. The trunks had been taken out to the Palmetto during the day, and at four o'clock the carriages drove out with the party. Judge Caworth insisted riding up on the outside seat with a driver, as he said, '^ he wanted to see the whole country." The ladies wished his company inside, but the gentle- men had good reason to give him his own way. John Covington remarked, * ' let him see the whole country." The drive did him good. This was the first time Leona and Herbert had been here since they left as children, eighteen years ago, with their parents. A ride back to the old home revived the sad recollections of the misfort- unes that befell their parents so soon after they left, and broke up the family. Tears came involuntarily to Leona's eyes. Fortu- nately Herbert was not in the same carriage, as he was similarly affected. Covington, seeing the surroundings brought back thoughts of the dear ones gone, remarked to Herbert : THE PALMETTO 325 "Well, if these flat lauds were more elevated above the sea, it could be truthfully said that it would be the most beautiful plateau in the world." ''I had forgotten entirely how this country looked, but now I remember it as though it were but yesterday that I saw it. It is too low for plateau or prairie, too high for meadow. This is the great Mississippi valley, so I presume the proper name would be valley prairie," replied Herbert. The carriages passed the large cemeteries where the vaults, all built above ground, made it appear as though the homes built for the dead were more ex- pensive than the average homes built for the living. Passing out into the open country, the scenes were very different from any to be noted about New York, like a great valley, but beyond the site of the mountains that divide it from the east or the west; far from any hills, not shaded by any mountains, with no clear, cold murmuring brooks, no cool pool for the cattle from the rough hills to quench their thirst, and with its waters to switch off the annoying flies, where the thousand mountain birds sung their merry songs, as they flew from limb to limb, then on the backs of the cattle, thence to the brook to quench their thirst, back up to the 326 THE PALMETTO trees to renew their cheerful notes and mingle them with the whispering wind, the rustle of the leaves, or the gentle wave of the wrhite lily from its watery home. No, nothing like the North here. You can see for miles out over the broad plantations, large frame dwellings, cotton gins, negro quarters, fields of sugar, corn and cotton. The contrast is great. Although new to them it was pleasant, as they drove over the smooth, level roads in the evening, at a time when the sunbeams were hngering on the cotton fields, and the millions of yellow, white, blue and mottled butterflies, were flying about through the cotton, making the scene resemble the min- gling of gold, silver and diamonds. No one could fully describe the beautiful picture. Its grandeur was augmented by the novelty of the change to our friends. Plantation after plantation was passed until the grand old Palmetto came in sight. Leona was in the first vehicle, and saw it as her carriage turned a corner in the lane. She raised up to her full height and said, '^Toney, see our old home," and she fell back in the seat with her eyes full of tears, and sobbed as though she had lost her last friend, THE PALMETTO 327 Strange effect ! It was the first time she called her brother ''Toney" since they were children. The scene seemed to have taken her mind away back to their childhood. Tears flowed down the cheeks of Herbert. Zola and Mrs. Caworth saw he was painfully affected, but avoided saying anything that would appeal to his sympathetic feelings. They were soon on their great lawn, surrounded by nearly all their old slaves. Pomp and Tilda went out in the morning, and hundreds of slaves from the surrounding plan- tations were there to welcome them home, while preparations for bonfires were all arranged. After supper, there was many a tear shed, mingled with joy and sorrow ; joy, because brother and sister were united, and that they were again owners of their old home ; sorrow, for the death of their parents and the sad recollections of their long separation caused by the villainy of the man who had robbed their parents of their home, and practi- cally of their fives. The major had the bridal chamber, that had been used by Mr. and Mrs. Risalio, all fixed up for Her- bert and Zola. In the west wing of the mansion Jje ha(^ one prepared for Leona and himself, and 828 THE PALMETTO this was not of a temporary character but to be permanent ; one that should be ready for use at any time they might want to go out and spend the night or a week at this grand old plantation. The chamber was decorated to suit what he be- lieved to be Leona's taste, the predominating coloi*s being old rose and olive. Above the door leading from her chamber to her boudoir was painted a bunch of olive branches tied together with ribbons of violet and green in equal numbers and length. Directly opposite the door entering the chamber from the hall was a large oil painting of Herbert and Leona as they appeared in the picture taken the day they parted, eighteen years ago, in a large gold gilt frame enameled with the shells of a gasteropod moUusk, having the form of an olive, and a beauti- ful polished surface of pure olive color. In the carpets, drapery, curtains, cushions, upholstery, tassels, tapestry, wall and ceiling decorations, could be seen her favorite color. In her boudoir all the furniture, mantels, cabinets, buffets, divans, arm and rocking chairs, were of the Marie Antoinette style, and of suitable shade. After supper, large bonfires were built in tiie fields. The smell of the barbecued meat permeated THE PALMETTO 329 the air. Large platfortiis of sufficient capacity to easily accommodate three hundred people in dancing were erected, with elevated stages. Not less than three thousand negroes were there. The lower pasture was full of their wagons, and white people's carriages, buggies and wagons. Men, women, girls and boys were seen coming in all directions to meet the new-comers and welcome them back to their old home. The house, verandas, lawns, and garden were a living mass of humanity, all shaking the hands of the '* children" as they were called. Speeches were made by the mayor of New Orleans, and the judge who had tried the case that gave Salario the place. Responses by Major Johnson and Judge Ca worth. Herbert ascended the stand to speak, but was overcome by emotion, and could barely say that the hospitality of the Palmetto would be extended by Major Johnson. After which they sat down to supper. On the lawn, speeches were made again. The darkies then commenced their dancing, that lasted until the sun rose the next morning. Right and justice prevailed over the villainy of Salario, and Antonio and Leona were again happily united and restored to their old home after years of 8S0 TUB PALMETTO separation, trials, and vicissitudes of life, honored and respected by all as people of the purest and noblest character, with prospects of a long and use- ful life. And in this haven where we first made their acquaintance we can properly bid them farewell. PINIS Date Due FORM 109 12277 12} • ■•tJ ,illi!l ■ it ■. i t i' 111 1 1 1 1 II 11 il 1 il ilil Hi I uiiimuimuii,